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Sobi announces topline phase 3 data of avatrombopag for the treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Thrombocytopenia

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On October 9, 2020, Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (Sobi) announced topline results from a phase 3 study of avatrombopag for chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT). Despite increasing platelet counts compared to placebo, the study did not meet its primary endpoint of preventing platelet transfusions, chemotherapy dose reductions, or delays. In the intent-to-treat population, responder rates were 69.5% for avatrombopag versus 72.5% for placebo (p=0.72). Sobi remains optimistic about avatrombopag's potential benefits and is continuing its focus on other indications, with peak sales estimates unchanged.

Positive
  • Sobi maintains peak sales estimates for avatrombopag, indicating ongoing confidence in its potential.
  • Topline adverse event data show avatrombopag has a safety profile comparable to placebo.
Negative
  • Avatrombopag failed to meet the composite primary endpoint in the phase 3 study.
  • Responder rates in the study were similar between avatrombopag and placebo, raising questions about its efficacy.

STOCKHOLM, Oct. 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (publ) (Sobi™) (STO:SOBI) today announced topline results from its phase 3 study of avatrombopag, an oral thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonist, in solid tumour cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT). Though avatrombopag increased platelet counts relative to placebo as expected, the study did not meet the composite primary endpoint of avoiding platelet transfusions, chemotherapy dose reductions by 15 per cent or greater, and chemotherapy dose delays by four days or more.  In the intent-to-treat population (full analysis set), 69.5 per cent and 72.5 per cent of avatrombopag and placebo subjects, respectively, were considered responders for the primary endpoint (p=0.72). In the per-protocol population, 85.0 per cent and 84.4 per cent of avatrombopag and placebo subjects, respectively, were considered responders for the primary endpoint (p=0.96).

It was unexpected that the placebo subjects would have such a low incidence of dose delays and dose reductions and additional data analyses are ongoing to understand this observation. Topline adverse event data for avatrombopag reinforce the existing safety profile and were comparable to that of placebo in this population of cancer patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy.

"While we are disappointed that avatrombopag failed to show efficacy in CIT, we are deeply grateful to the patients, investigators, and clinical site staff who contributed to the study's completion. Due to the lack of an approved treatment we firmly believe that avatrombopag could benefit patients with CIT. We were pleased to see that few patients required platelet transfusions or dose modifications in this study and were able to receive their chemotherapy without interruption.", said Guido Oelkers, CEO and President of Sobi. "We will continue to focus on the launches of the CLD and ITP indications and peak sales estimates remain unchanged given the potential of the product."

About the phase 3 study

The phase 3 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of avatrombopag in subjects with chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) receiving chemotherapy to treat ovarian, lung (small cell and non-small cell), and bladder cancer. The composite primary endpoint was the efficacy of avatrombopag in increasing platelet counts and therefore preventing the need for a platelet transfusion or chemotherapy dose reduction or delay in subjects with CIT. The secondary endpoint was safety. A total of 122 patients who developed Grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia following a previous cycle of chemotherapy were enrolled in 71 sites around the world.

About Chemotherapy-Induced Thrombocytopenia (CIT)

CIT, a potentially serious complication of chemotherapy, results in low platelet levels and can lead to chemotherapy dose reductions, chemotherapy dose delays, or changes to chemotherapy regimens. For cancer patients receiving chemotherapy with curative intent, alterations in their chemotherapy regimen due to low platelets may compromise their long-term outcomes. Approximately 10 percent of United States cancer patients per year experience CIT, which may require chemotherapy regimen modifications. Currently there are no approved treatments available for CIT in the United States or the European Union.

About Doptelet® (avatrombopag)

Doptelet is an oral thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonist that can be administered with no dietary restrictions.  Doptelet is approved by both the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) for treatment of thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts) in adult patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) who are scheduled to undergo a procedure. In June 2019, Doptelet was approved by FDA for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in adult patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to a previous treatment. Chronic ITP is a rare autoimmune bleeding disorder characterised by low number of platelets, affecting approximately 60,000 adults in the United States. Avatrombopag is designated as an orphan drug in the United States for the potential treatment of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT).

About Sobi

Sobi is a specialised international biopharmaceutical company transforming the lives of people with rare diseases. Sobi is providing sustainable access to innovative therapies in the areas of haematology, immunology and specialty indications. Today, Sobi employs approximately 1,400 people across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Russia and North Africa. In 2019, Sobi's revenues amounted to SEK 14.2 billion. Sobi's share (STO:SOBI) is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. You can find more information about Sobi at www.sobi.com.

This information is information that Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of Linda Holmström, Corporate Communication and Investor Relations, at 13:10 CEST on 9 October 2020.

For more information please contact

Paula Treutiger, Head of Communication & Investor Relations


+46 733 666 599


paula.treutiger@sobi.com




Linda Holmström, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations


+46 708 734 095


linda.holmstrom@sobi.com


This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/swedish-orphan-biovitrum-ab/r/sobi-announces-topline-phase-3-data-of-avatrombopag-for-the-treatment-of-chemotherapy-induced-thromb,c3213521

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/14266/3213521/1317148.pdf

Press release - CIT phase 3 data

 

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sobi-announces-topline-phase-3-data-of-avatrombopag-for-the-treatment-of-chemotherapy-induced-thrombocytopenia-301149420.html

SOURCE Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB

FAQ

What were the results of the phase 3 study of avatrombopag for CIT?

The phase 3 study showed that avatrombopag increased platelet counts but did not meet its primary endpoint of preventing platelet transfusions or significant chemotherapy dose modifications.

What is the significance of the responder rates in the avatrombopag study?

In the intent-to-treat population, responder rates were 69.5% for avatrombopag and 72.5% for placebo, indicating similar efficacy between the two groups.

What is Sobi's next step following the phase 3 study results?

Sobi plans to continue focusing on launching avatrombopag for other indications, believing in its potential despite the study results.

Is there an approved treatment for chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia in the US?

Currently, there are no approved treatments for chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia in the United States or the European Union.

SWEDISH ORPHAN BIOVIT ORD

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